A Stevens-Johnson Syndrome rash is an allergic reaction to certain medications. This reaction is a medical emergency. Thus, you must recognize Stevens-Johnson Syndrome quickly to get the necessary treatment and medical support.
Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a powerful allergic reaction to certain drugs, including:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-gout medications like allopurinol
- Sulfonamides
- Anticonvulsants
- Steroids
- NSAIDS
SJS can produce flu-like symptoms like fever, sore throat, and fatigue. This reaction also causes skin pain, blisters, and large rashes. Finally, SJS can produce burning sensations and blisters on the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals.
How Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Affects the Skin and Mucous Membranes
Pain is one of the most notable effects of SJS. Your skin and mucous membranes may feel painful, sensitive, or itchy. Rashes will appear and spread. Painful blisters could form on your mucous membranes.
How SJS Rash Appears: Early Signs and Development
A Stevens-Johnson Syndrome rash usually appears while you are taking the medication that triggered the reaction or within a few weeks of ending use. It typically starts with a rash. Within a few days, you can develop flu-like symptoms and blisters. Finally, large patches of your epidermis may die and peel off.
Key Differences Between SJS and Other Skin Conditions
SJS is not a skin condition. An SJS rash is just one manifestation of a severe allergic reaction. The intensity of SJS requires emergency care and long-term support as your skin dies and regrows.
Comparing SJS to Other Common Rashes
Despite the difference in severity, SJS is often difficult to distinguish from skin conditions. Some conditions comparable to SJS rashes include the following:
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis results from contact with an allergen or toxin. Poison ivy, for example, causes this condition. Contact dermatitis produces painful rashes and blisters.
Contact dermatitis starts on the skin that touched the substance that triggered it. Since medications trigger SJS internally, it can start anywhere.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks skin cells. Common symptoms include dry, scaly, and discolored skin rashes. Psoriasis can be triggered by certain medications, although the drugs that cause a psoriasis flare-up are different from those that cause SJS. Moreover, patients with psoriasis do not develop blisters.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin. Unlike SJS, eczema usually does not cause rashes or blisters.
Drug Rashes
Drug rashes are triggered by allergic reactions to medications. Drug rashes often appear as hives.
Drug rashes result from a release of histamines by the immune system. By contrast, SJS results from a T-lymphocyte-mediated immune reaction. Thus, a drug rash will often go away with antihistamines, while SJS will not.
Recognizing and Understanding the Severity of SJS
SJS can cause serious complications, including:
- Dehydration
- Vision impairment or blindness
- Infection
- Permanent disfigurement
- Respiratory failure
Untreated SJS can lead to permanent disability or death.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment for SJS
SJS has no cure. However, because of its severity, many SJS patients are treated in burn units to try to minimize its effects and reduce the risk of infection after the skin sloughs off.
Legal Options for Victims of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Caused by Medication
A Stevens-Johnson Syndrome rash can happen for many reasons. For example, a manufacturer might mislabel a medication by omitting certain compounds from its ingredient list.
It can also occur when a medication is contaminated during manufacturing with an allergen. Finally, it might happen when pharmaceutical companies release drugs without warnings about possible Stevens-Johnson Syndrome reactions.
Drug manufacturers are strictly liable for injuries caused by defective pharmaceutical products and deficient warnings. Thus, a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyer can pursue compensation for your losses after a medication triggers SJS.
FAQ
Do I Need a Product Liability Lawyer?
SJS is almost always serious enough to hire a lawyer. Fairness dictates that the manufacturer that causes your illness should bear your medical expenses and compensate you for your losses.
How Does My Lawyer Prove a Drug Manufacturer’s Liability?
Drug manufacturers are liable for defective designs, manufacturing, or warnings that harm consumers. Your lawyer only needs to prove the product or its warnings were defective and that the defect injured you.
What Compensation Can I Recover for SJS?
You can seek compensation for your economic losses, such as medical costs and lost income. You can also pursue compensation for the pain and suffering caused by SJS.
Contact Us to Learn More About Your Rights
A Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney stands up to drug manufacturers to fight for fair compensation. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and the damages we can seek.